Janet's Christmas City Walk

A number of us met on the steps of the Cathedral of Sts. Michel & Gudule for a sunny walk around Brussels - it really was a beautiful winter's day.

We walked through the Galeries Royale St. Hubert and to the Grand Place, where we posed in front of the Creche.

We then went on to the Mannekin Pis, and in this picture you can just catch a glimpse of the friendly chocolate shop which refused to let us try the chocolates they were offering to tempt us in!

Then it was up to the remnant of the old city walls in Rue de Villers, which we have visited before but which have been given a thorough cleaning up and look beautiful now.

On our way back to the Mont des Arts we passed through the Gallery Bortier with its peaceful and special atmosphere.

When we made it to the top of the steps at the Mont des Arts we had a wonderful view back.

We then made our way to Parc Royale via the steps beside the Bozar, and paused to admire this Folon statue which is a memorial to disappeared children.

Circling back to the rear of the cathedral we passed 'Scorpion'



And Margaret pointed out the impressive skyline of mixed architectural styles.

This is Gaston Lagaffe, who stands on the road above the Comic Strip museum (unfortunately closed today).

Next thing we knew we were walking through Place des Martyrs, where we paused to wave 'Hello Helen'!

After cutting through the Passage du Nord off Rue Neuve, we found our way to the Beguinage Church (currently housing Afghan refugees), crossed the Christmas Market and along a passageway to Rue du Flandre, where Cecile had the brilliant idea of introducing us to La Bellone: theatre and cultural complex.

From here we crossed Antoine Dansaert and visited the Zinnekin Pis on the corner of Rue des Chartreux and Rue Saint-Christophe, before ending at Taverne Greenwich: not the greatest coffee in the world, but it makes up for this in beauty.  The toilets may be famous, but in making the renovation the builders ensured that they retained not just their original Art Nouveau beauty but also their authentic smell!